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Atlatl Competition
Consider encouraging your campus to acquire atlatls and darts for on-campus use. (A bulls-eye target or deer-shaped target is also appropriate.) Have students practice atlatl throwing and create a competition. For the purposes of your class, you can raise discussion about how and why archaeologists can use the reproduction of technology to better appreciate the skills involved in ancient practices.
Domesticating a Dandelion
This project and the next two are “thought projects.” Ask students to break into groups to consider how they might be able to domesticate a dandelion. Have each group consider the different traits of the common dandelion and what part of the plant is edible and what parts of this particular plant have been used as food (dandelion greens and dandelion wine made from the flowers are examples; are there others?). How would you select for more useful traits? Have students consider whether domestication of dandelions has already occurred in our suburban lawns and school yards. What other common plants are not currently domesticated but which might be?
Domesticating a Zebra
Horses have been domesticated for many millennia, but for some reason their relative, the zebra, never has been effectively domesticated. What characteristics of the zebra make it difficult to domesticate? In his book Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond suggested that the mean-spirited personality of the zebra is what make this attractive species unsuitable for animal husbandry. What other species of animals have not been domesticated but possibly could be? What traits would be selected for and selected against?
Thinking about the Domestication of Tree Crops
Have students think of wild trees that produce either edible nuts or fruits. Ask them to think about how long these trees live and at what ages they ripen or mature. What could you do with pre-existing trees to improve their fruit or nuts? If we consumed all the nuts or fruit produced this year, could we still get a harvest next year? How could we improve the size of the fruit? How much work would it be? What evidence of very moderate tending would occur? What would be left in the archaeological record? How can we find evidence if none is left behind?
The Impacts of Sedentism on Other Aspects of Life
In many colleges, students have outing clubs that organize trips to wilderness areas for extra-curricular activities. Have your students discuss their camping and hiking experiences, focusing on what they have personally left in the archaeological record for future generations of archaeologists. Now have them consider what has happened when they camped at a campsite for several days or a week. Go as deeply into the specific impact on the landscape, not forgetting toilet facilities, cooking, and sleeping. (Since your students are citizens of the twenty-first century, they will pack out their cans, wrappers, and other trash, but what have they left behind for future archaeologists?)
Have students compare the two sites and then conceptually extend the stay in the second campsite for three months. What does it look like when you are done staying there? What will remain after a year? What will remain in 100 years? In a 1,000 years? What if they start building rock shelters or semi-permanent housing?